Finally summer, sun and outdoor swimming pool again: But nasty wasps & Co. lurk there in the heat - and can turn the visit into a stinging trap. Here are a few tips.
When it gets over 30 degrees, a dip in the cool water is just good. In large cities, numerous outdoor pools await bathers, who will find a paradise for paddling, swimming and sunbathing here.
But enjoyable bathing outdoors can quickly turn into a nasty nightmare - at the latest when entire swarms of wasps are circling around you. After all, this is not only uncomfortable, but also dangerous - especially for young children.
It is therefore important to take precautions before the visit - and to have suitable utensils with you to avoid allergic reactions.
Prof. Dr. med. Regina Treudler, dermatologist and head of the LICA interdisciplinary allergy center at the Leipzig University Hospital, gives you ten tips on how you can still splash around in a relaxed manner despite wasps and the like .
Stay calm
If a wasp buzzes around you, better not to panic. Waving your hands in the air, jumping up or other hectic movements make the wasps even more aggressive. Hence, you 'd better keep calm and move slowly (away).
Wear light colored clothing
Those who want to go to the outdoor pool would like to wear as little as possible. But fashionable, colored bikinis and swimming trunks are a red rag for wasps. Throw on a tight-fitting, white summer top or a light, light tunic. The reason for this: colors are a magical attraction for wasps - and they quickly get caught in baggy clothes.
Refrain from using perfume
Strong smells are also an invitation to the yellow-black beasts - so it is better not to use perfumed sunscreen or other intense scents in the outdoor pool . The same goes for deodorants and hairspray.
Don't run barefoot
Walking barefoot is healthy - but in an open meadow you should think twice. The reason: bees are often hidden in the grass looking for nectar. It can happen that you accidentally step inside - after all, bees sting especially when you feel threatened. You will notice the pulsating pain all the more clearly. So better: wear sandals, flip-flops & Co. on the way to the kiosk or swimming pool .
Drink with a straw
Hmmm, Cola! Not only you think that, but also the lovely wasps. The sugary fizzy drink is a delicious refreshment on hot days - but if you want to forego swallowing a wasp at the same time, it is better to drink from a straw . After all, a prick in the oral cavity, throat or even the throat can be life-threatening. Tip: Always screw bottles and cups tightly .
Be careful when eating
A piece of watermelon tastes good and is really refreshing in summer - too bad that wasps think so too. Especially with fruit you should be careful that you always cover everything well or put it back in your bathing bag . And look carefully at what you are eating - not that a wasp is already attached to it and you are eating it.
Avoid trash cans
Rubbish bins in the outdoor swimming pool are great food for wasps & Co. After all, lots of good things vegetate in abundance here. Their smell literally attracts them. It is therefore advisable to avoid them and to dispose of your garbage at home .
Keep your cell phone and emergency medication handy
If you know that you are allergic to bee stings, or if you find that your body is reacting in a strange way, you should call 911 as soon as possible. Especially an unusual symptoms such as shortness of breath, skin rash or nausea you should act immediately and call an ambulance. Always have your mobile phone ready in case you have an allergy - and if you are allergic, your emergency medication.
Also read : Wasps attack again: With this ingenious trick you keep the insects at a distance .
If you have an insect venom allergy: let your friends and acquaintances know
If you know you have an insect venom allergy, it is a good idea to tell friends and acquaintances outside your family about it as well . It is also best to explain to them what they can do if the emergency really arises.
Get vaccinated if you suffer from allergies
The best preventive measure that you can certainly do beforehand would be to get an insecticide vaccine if you are allergic . This is what is known as specific immunotherapy (SIT).
This teaches the body to become immune to the poison. The vaccination should ultimately provide effective protection against life-threatening measures such as an anaphylactic shock. You can also find out more about this at www.initiative-insektengift.de.
Read on in our large vaccination guide to find out which vaccinations Stiftung Warentest recommends for children, parents and travelers.
Also interesting: if parents do not have their children vaccinated, they are no longer allowed to go to daycare. Is that fair?
From Jasmin Pospiech
Seven helpful tips: This helps against wasps
To the photo gallery